Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) fashion show

Things to do

Indigenous Performing Arts

A story told through song and dance

Children, faces painted with ochre, peek between stomping dancers’ legs. The didgeridoo drones, seed shakers rattle and clap sticks beat a staccato rhythm, competing with the enthusiastic roars of the crowd. The atmosphere? Electric.

Watching the three-day, biennial Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival, featuring 1000 performers from 20 communities across northern Queensland dancing their stories, is an incomparable experience. More than simply enjoying dance and a carnival atmosphere, it’s a ringside seat to the preservation of culture and passing down of the oldest stories of the world.

The Cairns Indigenous Art Fair, held in July, is a celebration of everything Indigenous culture. There’s live music and dance, but also a curated fashion parade with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander textiles, jewellery workshops and an Art Fair featuring commercial galleries and independent artists. One of the most popular events is the Fashion Performance, showcasing Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture through art, fashion, dance, music and performance.

Shine On Gimuy is a vibrant First Nations Festival which showcases the rich cultural and artistic talent of Australia’s First Nations people. Behold the Calling Country Ceremony, showcasing dance groups from local and neighbouring Nations.The festivities continue at Salt House with an extensive program of live music performances featuring renowned First Nations artists. Gain deeper insight into these performances through engaging talks with the artists, as they discuss their music and experience of growing up as First Nations people. Explore a diverse range of art exhibits, programmed discussions, and art stalls, making Shine On Gimuy a truly immersive Indigenous experience.

Tropical North Queensland is the crucible of Indigenous performing arts in Australia. With many ancient and traditional dances originating in this region, most Indigenous experiences will involve some form of dance or song. See indigenous performances all year round at performance centres or catch the famous Pamigirri dancers each day at Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda.

 

Dancers at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair

Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience

Explore Indigenous Performing Arts

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